How to turn on the wallpaper carousel on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: a complete guide with error solutions

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even years after the release, many users are unaware of the hidden features of its MIUI firmware. One of them is the automatic wallpaper change (carousel), which allows you to update the background pattern on the lock screen and desktop every day (or at another interval).

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to turn on the wallpaper carousel on the Redmi Note 8 (relevant to MIUI 12, 13 and 14), and also consider alternative solutions for users who do not work out of the box, paying special attention to common errors — for example, why the wallpaper does not change despite the settings included, or how to fix the failure after updating the firmware. If you want your smartphone to pick up background images from the gallery or thematic collections, this guide is for you.

What is a wallpaper carousel and why it is needed

Wallpaper carousel (or dynamic wallpaper) is a MIUI function that automatically changes background images on the lock screen and/or desktop on a predetermined schedule. Unlike static wallpaper, it allows:

• 🔄 Avoid visual fatigue – a new background every day keeps the phone’s look interesting.
• 📅 Synchronize wallpaper with events – for example, set themed pictures for holidays or the weather.
• 🎨 Use collections — MIUI Offers ready-made sets of wallpaper (nature, cities, abstractions, etc.).
• 📱 Save time – no need to manually select new wallpaper.

On the Redmi Note 8, the feature works through the built-in Themes app, but its implementation depends on the version of MIUI. For example, in MIUI 12, the carousel was limited to only the lock screen, and in MIUI 14 it became possible to configure wallpaper change on the desktop.

Before you proceed to the setup, check if your version of MIUI supports the carousel.

1. Open the settings → About the phone → version of MIUI.
2. If the version is below MIUI 11, the function will not work, you will need an update or alternative methods (we will discuss them below).

Method 1: Enabling the carousel through the “Themes” app

The simplest and most official method is to use the standard Theme app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 8. MIUI 12–14:

1. Open the Themes app (an icon with a brush on your desktop or in the app menu).
2. Go to the wallpaper section (in the lower menu).
3. Select the Carousel tab (or Dynamic Wallpaper in some versions).
4. Click on a wallpaper collection you like (like “Daily Wallpaper” or “Landscapes”).
5. Slip on the Apply button and choose where to use the carousel: on the lock screen, desktop or both screens.
6. Turn on the Autoshift switch and set the interval (daily, weekly, etc.).

If the Carousel section is not in the appendix, it means:

• 🔹 Your version. MIUI outdated (update the firmware through Settings) → Updating the system).
• 🔹 The function is disabled for your region (solution – change region in phone settings).
• 🔹 Themes app reset to factory settings (try clearing the cache in Settings) → Annexes → Topics → Warehouse).

Check the MIUI version (should be at least 11)

Update the Themes app on Google Play

Connect to Wi-Fi (to load wallpaper)

Clear the cache of the "Themes" app

Reboot the phone.-->

Method 2: Configure via “lock screen settings”

In some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 13 Global), the wallpaper carousel can be turned on directly via lock screen settings, which is suitable if the section is not in the Topics app:

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Slip on the lock screen wallpaper.
3. Select the Carousel tab (or Dynamic Wallpaper).
4. Activate the automatic shift slider.
5. Identify the source of the wallpaper: 🌄 Collections MIUI — standard sets from Xiaomi. 📷 Gallery - your own photos (you need to select a folder).

Set up the shift interval (from 1 hour to 1 week).

Important nuance: if you choose wallpaper from the Gallery, make sure that:

• 📂 The folder contains at least 5 images (otherwise the carousel will not start).
• 📏 Photo resolution corresponds to the Redmi Note screen 8 (2340×1080 better quality).
• 🔄 Gallery settings allow access to files for the Themes app.

💡

If gallery wallpaper is blurry, try cutting it manually in any graphics editor (such as Snapseed or Lightroom) to the Redmi Note 8 screen resolution (2340×1080 pixels).

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If the built-in carousel doesn't work or you don't like the standard collections, you can use third-party apps.

To set up a third-party carousel:

1. Install the application from the table above.
2. Open it and select the source of the wallpaper (gallery or online service).
3. Set up a shift interval (e.g., every 6 hours).
4. Apply wallpaper through the app menu.
5. In Settings → Default Applications → Wallpaper, select the installed application as the main one.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party wallpaper change apps can drain the battery faster than the built-in feature MIUI. If you notice an increased consumption, check the battery optimization settings for the selected application in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after setting the wallpaper carousel correctly, let’s look at the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

1. Wallpaper does not change despite the settings included

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Limiting background traffic: MIUI It can block the automatic loading of wallpaper. → Annexes → Topics → Permits → Auto-Start (enable) Settings → Annexes → Topics → Battery → No restrictions.
• 📶 Internet Absence: If you select online collections, make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• ⏳ Incorrect interval: In some versions MIUI The change does not occur at the specified time, but when the screen is unlocked. Try to manually unlock the phone to start the update.

2.The carousel only works on the lock screen

If the wallpaper changes only on the lock, but not on the desktop:

• 🖼️ In the Topics app, when using the carousel, select the option Apply on both screens.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.
• 📱 Check if a third-party launcher is used (e.g., Nova Launcher or a third-party launcher). POCO In this case, the carousel on the desktop will not work.

3. "Couldn't load the wallpaper" error

This is a problem for users who:

• 🌍 They use informal firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu or custom recaveri) and the solution is to reflash the phone to a stable global version.
• 🔒 They have regional restrictions. Try changing the region to Settings. → Additionally. → Region: India or Russia.
• 🛡️ Block the traffic of the application Themes through a firewall or VPN. Turn off the restrictions.

Optimization of the carousel: tips and tricks

To ensure that the wallpaper carousel works stably and does not interfere with the basic functions of the phone, follow these recommendations:

1. Choose the optimal interval: 🕒 Everyday – the best balance between diversity and productivity. ⏳ Every 12 hours – it is suitable if you are tired of wallpaper quickly. 📅 Weekly – minimum load on the system.

Use light wallpaper:

• 🖼️ Avoid live wallpapers – they drain the battery very much.
• 🎨 Prefer static images in format JPEG or PNG no higher-permission 2K.
• Set up exceptions to save traffic: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Saving traffic → Add "Subjects" to the exceptions

A critical nuance for the Redmi Note 8: if you have Android 10 firmware installed (MIUI 11-12), the carousel may conflict with the Second Space function. To avoid crashes, disable the second space in Settings → Special Options → Second Space.

💡

For maximum stability of the carousel, disable battery optimization for the Themes app and add it to the autostart list.

Alternative ways to diversify the wallpaper

If the carousel still does not work or you are not satisfied with its functionality, consider these options:

• 🎨 Manual shift through the widget: Add Wallpaper widget to the desktop (long tap on the screen) → Widgets → This will allow you to quickly change the background images into one tap.
• 🖥️ Use of the KWGT: Kustom Wallpaper Maker allows you to create dynamic wallpapers with variable elements (time, weather, quotes.
• 🌄 Topics MIUI with built-in animation: Some themes from the official store (Themes) → Online) have built-in animation or wallpaper change. Look for themes marked Dynamic or Live.

Minima is a minimalist app that generates wallpaper based on the time of day (dark at night, light during the day), and if you prefer wallpaper with motivation, try Quoteful, which automatically quotes the background pattern.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions